The Williston Northampton School - Review #4

Williston does an excellent job at recognizing and supporting individuals in the community. Students and faculty who excel in the classroom are rewarded by publicly by having their accomplishments acknowledged as well as students who achieve success in extra curricular activities. For example, Williston has several opportunities for leaders. Captainship, proctorship, Peer Education, and other groups are all created to acknowledge the student leaders in the community. These roles are taken seriously in the community and cause students to want to achieve success.

The whole experience was the best thing that happened to me at Williston. I was supported and guided during my time there. I found my niche and blossomed. My favorite accomplishment was being a tri-varsity captain. Williston taught me to be independent as I lived away from home for three years. Going to Williston has also helped me to reach one of my dreams in playing NCAA hockey. Williston was the best experience of my life.

I wish I participated in one of the art performances as they were very good. My advice for any kid going to boarding school would be to get involved in all the campus activities possible and to push yourself out of your comfort zone.

My favorite part of the school was the community. It was great knowing everyone and saying hi to many people on your way to class. The community was very supportive and the part I will miss most about Williston.

My advice would be to get acclimated and ask questions. Meet all the faculty and students. Getting informed and meeting members of the community will help for you to feel more comfortable in the idea of Williston. Visit the victory the bell and picture yourself ringing it with your teammates and friends after a hard fought victory.

Williston's academics are demanding, yet fair. Students are pushed to their learning limits, while receiving support and guidance from teachers and fellow students. The educational experience not only prepares students for college level courses, but also teaches them to ask questions when they need to and seek support. Seeking help from a teacher can be an intimidating thing to do. At Williston this action is encouraged. Students are comfortable in seeking help, which will only benefit them in the future.

The athletic program is very competitive as well as supportive. There are teams for all students and their playing levels. The varsity sports are very competitive. Sportsmanship is the main focus of Williston sports and is preached during the career of all students. Williston also boasts first class venues for sports. I enjoyed the competitiveness of the sports as well as the camaraderie formed over the times spent with coaches and players.

My experience in the arts was a spectator. I always looked forward to seeing the art programs as they were always entertaining and impressive. The students put many hours into their performances and the reap the benefits as they community always enjoys the performances and supports them just as much as athletics.

Williston offers many extra-curricular activities from sports, to leadership opportunities to volunteer opportunities such as Habitat for Humanity. It is mandatory for students to participate in extra-curricular activities. Students enjoy these events as well as benefit from managing their time between academics and extra-curricular activities.

Dorm life was one of the best aspects of Williston. The students bond well in the dorm settings. The dorms are very constructive for both studying and enjoying living together. The students also become very close to dorm parents. Food orders are also a common activity for dorm members. Williston is surrounded by many take out places that offer late night food access. My closest relationships were created in the dorm.

Williston has a wonderful dining hall that offers three meals a day, seven days a week. The food is very good as there is a wide variety food choices. Also, Williston has a snack bar called the StuBop where students can get burgers, fries, and other snack food.

Williston sits in the middle of Easthampton. The town of Easthampton is considered Williston's campus, so students have access to the town whenever they need it. Students can go to town for a slice of pizza or a new article of clothing whenever they are free. It is nice for the students to be placed in an urban setting as they are not far away from resources.

My favorite part of the social life at Williston was always being involved in the social life. The students are very close knit and because of this there are always social gatherings. Whether it is watching a movie in a dorm room, playing lasertag in the dark on the football field or taking a trip to Boston or New York city there are always social events. Also, attending sporting events is another major social event.